Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe
If you’re craving a bread experience that’s equal parts fluffy, buttery, and a little bit fancy, the Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. These rolls perfectly balance the rich, tender crumb of brioche with the fresh herbal lift of sage and the sweet, sticky allure of honey butter, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday spread, this recipe transforms humble rolls into show-stopping little treasures that everyone will gush over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the soft texture, rich flavor, and gorgeous golden color of your brioche rolls. From the yeast that gives us that tender rise to the fresh sage that makes these rolls truly unique, you’re about to gather a perfect lineup for baking success.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a fluffy yet sturdy dough that holds shape beautifully.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise with airy lightness.
- 1/3 cup warm milk (110°F): Helps activate the yeast while adding moisture for tenderness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements and aids yeast fermentation.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate dough.
- 4 large eggs: Give richness, color, and that signature brioche fluff.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and cubed: Ensures a tender crumb and luxurious mouthfeel, added gradually for perfect incorporation.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage: Introduces a fragrant, earthy note that elevates these rolls into something extraordinary.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a shiny, golden finish on the rolls.
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to provide a pop of salty crunch that highlights the honey’s sweetness.
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted (for brushing): Used to infuse the rolls with flavor and a gorgeous sheen before and after baking.
How to Make Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by whisking together the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. This wakes up the yeast and ensures it’s alive and ready to work its magic, forming a soft, foamy layer after about 5 to 10 minutes. This step guarantees your rolls will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Slowly add the eggs and the activated yeast mixture. Begin mixing on low speed until a rough dough forms, ensuring every ingredient comes together harmoniously.
Step 3: Incorporate the Butter
This part is all about patience and love. Gradually add the softened butter in small portions, mixing between additions. This slow incorporation results in a silky, elastic dough that will bake into soft, buttery rolls. Keep kneading for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and springs back when poked.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the dough and place it somewhere warm to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This resting time allows the gluten to develop and the flavors to deepen, promising a lighter, more tender roll.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the rise, gently punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a tight ball, ensuring smooth tops for an even rise and beautiful presentation. Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a buttered baking dish.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for about 45 minutes. They should puff up noticeably, getting ready to transform in the oven into pillowy golden jewels.
Step 7: Prep Honey Butter Mixture and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While you wait, mix the melted salted butter with chopped sage and honey — this mixture will give your rolls that signature flavor and gorgeous finish. Brush this honey butter generously over the tops of the rolls before baking.
Step 8: Bake and Finish
Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a perfect golden brown. While they’re still warm, brush them again with any remaining honey butter, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This finishing touch adds that irresistible salty-sweet contrast you’ll love.
How to Serve Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt right before serving enhances the contrast between sweet and savory. Fresh sage leaves used as a garnish also add a pop of green color and amplify the herbaceous aroma, making your presentation as delightful as the flavor.
Side Dishes
These rolls are absolutely perfect alongside a rich stew, creamy soup, or a festive holiday roast where their soft texture and honeyed flavor can soak up every bit of sauce or gravy. For a lighter option, pair them with a fresh green salad with vinaigrette to balance their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a large platter, brushing a bit more honey butter as you go for a glossy finish. You can also serve them individually brushed with honey butter and topped with a fresh sage leaf for a charming single-serve touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay wonderfully soft thanks to their buttery nature, making them a delight even the day after baking.
Freezing
If you want to save these rolls for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil or seal them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your brioche rolls in a warm oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. This refreshes their soft crumb and brings back that freshly baked aroma. A quick brush of leftover honey butter after reheating will make them taste straight out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh for this recipe?
While fresh sage really shines in this Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe, you can substitute dried sage if that’s what you have on hand. Use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated, and consider steeping it in the melted butter a little longer to extract as much flavor as possible.
Is it possible to make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It will take about 12 to 15 minutes to reach a smooth, elastic texture. The process connects you more intimately to your dough, and the results are just as rewarding.
Can I make the dough the night before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it have its first rise in the fridge overnight. Just cover it tightly, and the slow fermentation will enhance the flavor. Take the dough out an hour before shaping to come to room temperature, then proceed with shaping and the second rise before baking.
What does the flaky sea salt add to the rolls?
The flaky sea salt sprinkled over the warm rolls adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of salty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the honey’s sweetness and the buttery, sage-spiced dough. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in taste.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs and butter to achieve that iconic brioche richness and texture, so making it vegan would require significant substitutions. There are vegan brioche recipes out there, but for the signature Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe experience, the traditional ingredients are key.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking your own Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe – the way the warm, sweet, and slightly savory aromas fill the kitchen is pure joy. These rolls are surprisingly easy to make, yet they deliver flavors and textures that feel luxurious and festive. I can’t wait for you to try them and share this delicious treasure with your loved ones. Trust me, once you do, these rolls will become a cherished favorite you’ll turn to again and again.
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Salted Sage Honey Butter Brioche Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These salted sage honey butter brioche rolls offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring soft, fluffy brioche dough enriched with honey and fresh sage, then brushed with a fragrant honey butter glaze and flaky sea salt. Perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion, they promise a tender crumb with an aromatic finish.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and cubed
Honey Butter Topping
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix dough ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add eggs and yeast mixture, mixing on low speed until dough begins to form.
- Add butter: Gradually add the softened butter a few cubes at a time, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
- First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Divide and shape: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a buttered baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover and let the shaped rolls rise again for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven and prepare topping: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix melted salted butter, chopped sage, and honey for brushing the rolls.
- Brush and bake: Generously brush the tops of the rolls with the honey butter mixture. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Final touch: While still warm, brush rolls with more honey butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- These rolls can be made a day ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- For a deeper sage flavor, steep the chopped sage in the melted butter for 5 minutes before brushing.
- Rolls can also be frozen after baking and reheated when needed without loss of quality.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
